Cloth clamp



March 1929- E. LEBOVITZ 06,670

' CLOTH cum? I Filed Aug. 12, 1927 K IL\\ Q Imenfir: v .Ed'uzard I66 006%,

Patented Mar. 26, 1929.

PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARDLEBOVITZ, F BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

CLOTH CLAMP.

Application filed August 12, 1927.

This invention relates generally to cloth clamps, having particular reference to means whereby cloth may be firmly held at one part \vhile'being smoothed out and straightened preparatory to the measuring and cutting operation. V v

"The primary object of the invention is to provide a clamp of such character that firm gripping action may be applied to an end thereof While the fabric is smoothed out and cut to the proper length; the invention comprehending means whereby the clamping action may be easily and quickly applied or released so as to facilitate measuring and cut- ]5 ting operations.

A further object of the invention is to provide a clamp of extremely simple construc tion which may be firmly affixed to a base or support, such as a table, with facility, which involves simple but positive clamping mechanism easily and quickly manipulated, and which operates in such manner as not in any way to injure the fabric with which it is used, however delicate the latter may be.

The clamp of this invention is adapted particularly for use and association with the cloth cutting mechanism disclosed in my copending application executed concurrently hergwith, Serial No. 212,485, filed August 12, 192

With these objects in view, together with others which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts. all as will be described more fully hereinafter, illustrated in the drawings and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side. elevation of a cloth clamp constructed in accordance with the invention and illustrating the same as associated with a base such as a table.

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view talaen through the clamp shown in 1, an

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially upon line 33 of Fig. 2 and viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow.

The cloth clamp of this invention is adapted particularly to be associated with a cloth measuring, laying out or cutting table represented generally at 4. The clamp includes a frame indicated at 5. and formed preferably of thin sheet metal and preferably in the shape indicated in the drawings. This frame Serial No. 212,486.

will be of substantial length, approximately equal to or greater than the breadth of cloth with which it is used. The frame constitutes a post or leg indicated at 6, from the lower end of which is carried spaced inwardly projecting ears 7 through which are threaded retamlng or clamping screws 8. By this means, the frame may be rigidly and easily secured to the edge of a cutting table or base 4 and properly held positioned with respect thereto.

The frame also includes an arm portion indicated at 9, spaced and substantially parallel to the post or standard 6. The post and the arm are preferably hollow as shown, and arranged vertically within the housing of the frame thus formed and at the ends thereof are guides 10 within which are engaged the ends of a transverse bar 11 having attached thereto aclamping or gripping element or edge indicated at 12. The guides 10 are spaced parallel to the inner edges 13 of the arm so that the gripper bar will be confined between the guides and said edge. Arranged in spaced relation upon the member 11 and projecting upwardly therefrom are rack bars 14, the teeth of which are engaged by pinions 15 mounted upon a shaft 16 disposed longitudinally within the frame near the upper part thereof. These pinions are in mesh with gears 17 carried by a shaft 18 mounted in suitable bearings within and disposed longitudinally of the frame. One end of the shaft is provided with a hand wheel 19 by means of which the shaft may be readily rotated.

In operation. the frame is applied to the base or table 1 in the manner described and as shown in the drawing. With the gripper member 12 raised, which action is accomplished by rotation of the hand wheel 19 in a proper direction, an end of a cloth to be measured, cut or otherwise operated upon. represented generally at 20. is positioned against the post or standard 6 and directly beneath the gripper 12. The hand wheel 19 is'then rotated in such direction as to cause the gripper 12 to descend, whereupon the gripper moves down and. engages and holds the cloth end. The gripper may be provided with a serrated operative edge as shown in Fig. 3. so as to firml hold the cloth upon the base. With the cloth edge so engaged. the remainder of the cloth may be pulled. stretched. straightened or smoothed as required preparatory to cutting or laying out operations. and the gripper 12 at all. times assures rigid. holding of the free edge of the cloth. IVhen another layer of cloth is to be superimposed upon one already cut, the hand wheel 19 is rotated so as to elevate the grip per, whereupon the free end of the next layer is inserted thereunder. The operation of lowering the gripper then proceeds, wl'iereupon the layers are firmly held in position. This operation may be carried out any number of times until the pile of cloth becomes sufficiently thick as to be unwieldy if added to, whereupon the same may be removed and the operations will proceed as indicated.

From the foregoing it is apparent that I have provided a cloth clamp or holder which is of extremely simple construction yet which is fully adequate to properly hold the cloth incident to cutting or laying out operations.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a cloth clamp, a frame comprising a post and a spaced arm, means for securing the post to a base, a clamp bar carried by said arm and movable toward or away from said base, and. means for moving said bar.

I 2. In a cloth clamp, a frame comprising a hollow post and an arm, ears at the lower end of said postto engage with a base, clamp screws in said ears, guides in said arm,- a clamp bar in said arm with its ends engaged in said giiides, a rack bar connected to said bar, a pinion engaging said rack bar, a gear in mesh with said pinion, and a hand wheel for turning said gear;

3. In a device of the class described, a post, an arm carried by said post in substantially parallel relation therewith and terminating at its lower end above the base of said post, a clamp member slidably carried by said a rm at 'the lower end thereof, a rack secured to said clamp member and slidable in said arm, a pinionon said arm engaged with said arm, a pinion on said arm engaged with said rack, means for rotating said pinion, and means at thebase ofthe post for securingthe same to a table.

4. In a device of the class described, a post, a hollow arm carried by said post in substantially parallel relation therewith and having its lower end terminating above the base of said post, a clamp plate slidable in the lower end of saidarm, a clamp carried by said plate, rack bars extending upwardly from said plate within said arm, pinions in said arm in mesh with said bars, gears engaged with said pinions, and means for securing said post to a table. V

In testimony whereof I afliX my signature.

EDWARD LEBOVITZ. 

